“Adolf Hitler decided that World War II “. . . was the best time for the elimination of the incurably ill.”
This title, “a voice for the voiceless” is usually and rightly applied to the murder of the unborn through abortion. I am always encouraged by the myriad ministries and organizations who are fighting to protect the infant in the womb who has no voice and can never be heard. This is a just and worthy cause to support. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.” (NASB)
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.”
There is another group of people, however, whose voices are not heard. Of course, you are probably aware that I am referring to those with special needs. Adolf Hitler decided that World War II “. . . was the best time for the elimination of the incurably ill.” Thus began the T-4 program, which led to the elimination of 200,000 handicapped people and became the model for the murder of Jews and others deemed “inferior” to the master race.
Although I know there were individuals who stood up for these folks at this time, most simply turned a blind eye to what was going on or were simply unaware.
It is an interesting and worthwhile study to track the development of treatment of those with special needs in the US. Although our country may not have murdered those with special needs, that may have, at times, been more of a mercy than the treatment they did receive.
“These examples show us that those with special needs are truly a group who require people to speak up for them, to open their mouth.”
These examples show us that those with special needs are truly a group who require people to speak up for them, to open their mouth. We praise God that our view and understanding of those with special needs has progressed significantly, but there is still much work to do. As humans, we tend to shy away from things or people we do not understand, hence the fear associated with those with special needs.
Our desire with this new facility is to provide a safe place where folks with special needs can learn more about God and the gospel that is available to all people, regardless of what our physical eyes may see and determine.
Our goal at Big Sky and with this new project we are working on (A Promise Kept) is to obey Proverbs 31 and the countless other passages instructing us to speak up for those who cannot speak themselves. Our desire with this new facility is to provide a safe place where folks with special needs can learn more about God and the gospel that is available to all people, regardless of what our physical eyes may see and determine. It is largely on their behalf that we are expending a great deal of effort in fundraising, engineering, etc., to get this facility started.
How can you speak up for those with special needs? Start by learning more about Camp Promise, Big Sky’s ministry to those with special needs. Then volunteer during one of the Camp Promise weeks this summer. Of course I also have to say donate to our “A Promise Kept,” project!
About The Author:
Jamy has years of experience in camp ministry and has been the Director at Big Sky Bible Camp since 2008. He is a father of 6, and enjoys camping with his family, hunting, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. His favorite part of summer camp is driving the boat for tubing electives.